A private Westcountry school has been taken to task by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for failing to tackle asbestos present in its buildings.

Highfields School in Cornwall, which charges £6,900 a year for pupils, was the only independent school in the South West served with an improvement notice following a recent inspection by the HSE officials.

The school, in Redruth, which caters for infant, junior, and secondary school children had "fallen below acceptable standards" when it came to dealing with the substance.

Inspectors found the school had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the presence of asbestos containing materials (ACMs). It also failed to monitor the condition of ACMs and failed to make sure they were properly maintained or safely removed from the premises.

The HSE inspected a random sample of 164 independent, voluntary-aided and foundation schools and academies across England between November 2010 and June 2011.

Notices were served on 28 schools requiring them to improve arrangements for managing asbestos, and informal advice provided to a further 110.

Enforcement action was taken over failures such as training staff and producing written management plans, rather than because staff or pupils were considered at significant risk of exposure.

Asbestos which is in good condition and remains undamaged and undisturbed does not pose any significant risk to health if it is managed in compliance with the legal requirements and according to HSE's guidance.

Geoff Cox, head of the HSE's public services sector, said: "Most schools were able to demonstrate good levels of awareness and compliance with the asbestos regulations and that's encouraging.

"But this inspection initiative did highlight that there is still confusion in some schools over roles and responsibilities.

"We took action where schools had fallen below acceptable standards and we are working across the education sector to raise awareness and find ways to make it clearer for schools to understand their legal responsibilities.

"It is important to stress that asbestos which is properly managed, remains undamaged and is not disturbed is not a cause for concern.

"Those most at risk of disturbing asbestos are tradesmen or general maintenance workers so it is essential they know where asbestos is and that there work is carefully planned and managed."

According to the school's website it is not just driven by academic achievement and prides itself on being a small and friendly school with manageable classes of no more than twelve.

Mary Haddy, headmistress, refused to comment to the Western Morning News on inspection or discuss how the asbestos had been dealt with. The school is still open.